2024 HKDSE Geography Practice Paper | DSE Mock

Which of the following physical factors is the primary reason why volcanic eruptions at destructive plate boundaries (such as the Andes) are generally more explosive than those at constructive plate boundaries (such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge)?

1. Higher silica content of the magma
2. Higher temperature of the magma
3. Higher gas pressure trapped within the viscous lava

In a typical river long profile, as a river flows from its upper course to its lower course, which of the following changes generally occur?

1. Average velocity increases
2. Channel roughness increases
3. Channel efficiency increases

A multinational IT hardware manufacturing firm decides to relocate its R&D headquarters to Silicon Valley, USA, while outsourcing its microchip assembly lines to Southeast Asian countries. Which of the following pairs of location factors best explains this spatial division of labor?

Why is the soil in undisturbed tropical rainforests generally nutrient-poor despite the dense, lush vegetation above?

1. Rapid decomposition rates deplete organic matter instantly before it can accumulate in the soil.
2. High annual rainfall causes intense leaching of soluble nutrients down the soil profile.
3. Rapid nutrient uptake by the dense root network leaves little nutrients in the soil.

Which of the following is an example of a positive feedback loop associated with global warming?

The construction of a series of groynes along a sandy coastline is highly likely to cause which of the following impacts?

In many developing countries, the rapid growth of megacities is often accompanied by "counter-urbanisation" being absent, and instead "rural-to-urban migration" dominates. Which of the following is the primary "push factor" driving this migration?

In the Sahel region of Africa, which combination of physical and human factors most directly contributes to chronic food shortages?

Under the "Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation" (REDD+) scheme, how are developing countries incentivized to conserve their tropical rainforests?

On a 1:20 000 topographic map, a straight road is measured to be 6.5 cm long. If the actual height difference between the start and end points of this road is 130 meters, what is the average gradient of this road?

Which of the following statements about seismic waves are correct? (1) P-waves can travel through both solid and liquid mediums. (2) S-waves travel faster than P-waves. (3) S-waves vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. (4) Love waves are body waves that cause the most severe ground shaking.

As a river flows downstream from its upper course to its lower course, which of the following changes generally occur in its channel characteristics? (1) The hydraulic radius increases. (2) The river channel roughness increases. (3) The average water velocity increases. (4) The average gradient of the river bed increases.

An industrial firm manufactures high-end microchips. The production process requires highly skilled research labor, cleanroom facilities, and rapid access to global markets. Which of the following is the most important location factor for this industry?

In a typical tropical rainforest nutrient cycle (Gersmehl diagram), which of the following describes the sizes of the nutrient pools and flows correctly?

Which of the following is an example of an 'adaptation' strategy rather than a 'mitigation' strategy in response to global warming?

When waves approach an irregular coastline with alternating headlands and bays, wave refraction occurs. What are the geological consequences of this process? (1) Wave energy is concentrated on the headlands, leading to active erosion. (2) Wave energy is dispersed in the bays, leading to deposition. (3) Headlands gradually widen while bays become narrower over time.

On a map with a scale of \(1:20\ 000\), two points, X and Y, are \(5\text{ cm}\) apart on the map. The elevation of point X is \(120\text{ m}\) and the elevation of point Y is \(320\text{ m}\). What is the average gradient between point X and point Y?

Which of the following are the physical factors contributing to the persistent food shortages in the Sahel region of Africa? (1) High variability in annual rainfall and frequent droughts. (2) High rate of evapotranspiration due to high temperatures. (3) Poor soil fertility with low organic matter content. (4) Over-cultivation and overgrazing by local farmers.

Which of the following urban renewal strategies in Hong Kong involves repairing and maintaining existing buildings to prolong their lifespan and improve living conditions without demolishing the structures?

In recent decades, China's iron and steel industry has shown a spatial shift from inland cities (e.g. Anshan, Wuhan) towards coastal locations (e.g. Zhanjiang, Caofeidian). Which of the following is/are the main reason(s) for this locational shift? (1) Depletion of local iron ore and coal reserves in inland areas. (2) Heavy reliance on imported high-grade iron ore from overseas (e.g. Australia and Brazil). (3) The need to reduce overland transport costs and utilize cheap maritime shipping.

A group of students conducted a geography fieldwork study on the microclimate of a newly redeveloped urban green district (District X) and an adjacent old, high-density residential district (District Y) on a sunny summer afternoon in July. The measured data are summarized below: (1) District X: Mean Air Temperature = 31.5C, Mean Relative Humidity = 65%, Mean Wind Speed = 2.4 m/s, Average Sky View Factor (SVF) = 0.62. (2) District Y: Mean Air Temperature = 34.2C, Mean Relative Humidity = 55%, Mean Wind Speed = 0.5 m/s, Average Sky View Factor (SVF) = 0.21.

(a) Formulate one appropriate hypothesis for this fieldwork. [1 mark]
(b) Explain how the students could ensure the reliability and accuracy of the microclimate data collected during their fieldwork. [5 marks]
(c) Compare the microclimate characteristics between District X and District Y using the data provided. [4 marks]
(d) With reference to the urban design elements (including Sky View Factor), explain why the microclimate of District X differs significantly from District Y. [5 marks]
(e) Suggest three major limitations of conducting this microclimate fieldwork on a single afternoon, and propose corresponding improvements. [3 marks]

Volcanic eruptions pose different levels of risk and opportunity depending on the socioeconomic background of the region. Contrast Settlement A (located at the foot of an active volcano in a developing country, characterized by subsistence farming and low literacy rates) and Settlement B (located near a volcanic zone in a highly developed country, characterized by geothermal power industries, high-tech tourism, and advanced monitoring systems).

(a) Compare the economic opportunities brought by volcanic activity to Settlement A and Settlement B. [4 marks]
(b) Explain how the socio-economic characteristics of Settlement A increase its vulnerability to volcanic hazards. [6 marks]
(c) Describe how Settlement B utilizes modern technology and administrative planning to mitigate volcanic risks and enhance community preparedness. [4 marks]
(d) 'Living near an active volcano is an entirely irrational choice.' To what extent do you agree with this statement? Justify your view by referring to both settlements. [4 marks]

Sandy Bay is a popular tourist coastal town that is facing severe beach erosion. The local government is evaluating two coastal management schemes to protect its coastline and sustain tourism: Scheme P (Hard Engineering: building a series of groynes along the beach and a continuous concrete seawall at the backshore) and Scheme Q (Soft Engineering: implementing beach nourishment combined with a mandatory coastal setback zone of 50 meters).

(a) Explain the natural coastal processes (including wave types and transport) that typically cause beach erosion in a bay. [4 marks]
(b) With the aid of a diagram, explain how the groynes proposed in Scheme P protect the beach, and explain why they may accelerate erosion further down the coast (downdrift). [5 marks]
(c) Contrast Scheme P and Scheme Q in terms of their long-term environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness. [5 marks]
(d) Suggest and justify which scheme (Scheme P or Scheme Q) is more appropriate for maintaining Sandy Bay's appeal as a high-end tourist resort. [4 marks]

Explain how agricultural activities and deforestation in the upper river basin may alter the river discharge and increase the flood risk in the lower river basin. (6 marks)\n\n"Afforestation and land use regulation in the drainage basin are more sustainable than hard engineering measures in reducing flood risk." To what extent do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer with reference to river management. (6 marks)

Table 1 shows selected environmental parameters of two newly developed residential districts (District X and District Y) in a subtropical Asian city.

Table 1:
| Environmental Parameter | District X (Traditional Layout) | District Y (Sustainable Eco-District Layout) |
| :--- | :---: | :---: |
| Greenery coverage (% of site area) | 12% | 41% |
| Average surface albedo | 0.15 | 0.35 |
| Runoff coefficient (ratio of runoff to rainfall) | 0.85 | 0.30 |
| Average \(PM_{2.5}\) concentration (\(\mu g/m^3\)) | 38 | 22 |

(a) Compare and contrast the environmental performance of District X and District Y using the data provided. (4 marks)

(b) With reference to the differences in greenery coverage and average surface albedo, explain how the design of District Y helps mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect. (6 marks)

(c) Discuss the physical and socio-economic challenges of applying District Y's sustainable design strategies (such as extensive green roof installation and porous pavements) to the old, high-density urban areas of Hong Kong. (8 marks)

Explain how geological and climatic factors make steep slopes in Hong Kong highly prone to mass wasting. Evaluate the effectiveness of hard engineering measures in managing landslide hazards in Hong Kong.